News item | 16-11-2022 | 1:00 pm
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) today published the results of a study into the presence of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and metals in settled dust in the IJmond region. This is the area around Tata Steel.
A survey was also conducted in 2020. The report published today is the first of two repetitions of the measurement from 2020. The study was commissioned by the province of Noord-Holland and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and is part of the (joint) action plan for a healthier living environment for residents living near Tata Steel.
Meteorological conditions
This first repetition shows that there is still an increased deposition of PAH and a large number of metals in this area. Because the meteorological conditions (such as wind in the area in question) are not comparable to the conditions during the first study, the two studies cannot be compared, according to RIVM. Another factor is that other sources may have contributed to the increased deposition of PAH and metals in the IJmond area. RIVM recommends long-term monitoring. We are going to instruct the RIVM to do that. So that we can keep a close eye on whether the dust deposition actually decreases.
State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen: “It is very important that we continue to measure the dust deposition so that we get a stable picture. Because on the basis of the current measurement, we cannot yet say whether the deposition is increasing or decreasing. And we want to have that image.”
The results of the second repeat study will be known at the beginning of 2023. IenW will then determine together with the province and RIVM how the monitoring should be continued.
Improvement measures
Tata Steel is currently working on improvement measures to reduce the emission of harmful substances.
“I expect that Tata Steel will implement the promised measures according to plan and that this will lead to better results for the health of local residents and for the environment,” said State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen. “It is expected that these improvement measures will translate into fewer emissions of harmful substances over the next one and a half to two years. We closely monitor the results of the improvement measures. Because the living environment around Tata Steel really needs to be cleaner, safer and healthier.”